Rand Paul’s neighbor pleads not guilty to assaulting Kentucky senator

In this file photo, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. Paul says he ended up with six broken ribs after a bizarre attack by his neighbor last week while he was mowing his lawn. Paul writes on Twitter on Nov. 8: “I appreciate all of the support from everyone. A medical update: final report indicates six broken ribs & new X-ray shows a pleural effusion.”
Pablo Martinez Monsivais — The Associated Press file

This photo provided by the Warren County Regional Jail shows Rene Boucher, who has been arrested and charged with assaulting and injuring U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky. Kentucky State Police said in a news release Saturday that Paul suffered injuries when 59-year-old Rene Boucher assaulted him at his Warren County home on Friday afternoon.
Warren County Regional Jail via AP

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. >> U.S. Sen. Rand Paul’s long-time neighbor pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges that he assaulted the Kentucky Republican while he was mowing his lawn.

Rene Boucher only spoke to reply “yes sir” to a judge during a brief arraignment. He showed no emotion and kept his head down. Boucher faces up to a year in jail if convicted of fourth-degree assault.

Paul, who was not at the hearing, wrote on Twitter on Wednesday that he suffered six broken ribs and has excess fluid around his lungs. The injuries have sidelined Paul from the Senate as he recovers at his home.

Warren County District Judge Brent Potter set a pre-trial court date for Nov. 30. Boucher has been ordered to stay away from Paul and the senator’s family.

Boucher’s attorney has called the situation “a very regrettable dispute” that was “trivial.” Boucher’s attorney left the courtroom Thursday without speaking to reporters.

Paul and Boucher have been neighbors for 17 years in a gated community.

Rob Porter, a close friend of the lawmaker, said this week that Paul doesn’t know why he was attacked. Paul was mowing his yard and had stopped to remove a limb when Boucher tackled him from behind, Porter said. Paul was wearing ear protection and didn’t hear Boucher coming, the friend said.